Cal Davison, a student at McIntosh High School, recently attended a program titled “Gulf Island Journey” at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) on Dauphin Island, Ala.
The Gulf Island Journey is part of the Discovery Hall Programs, the DISL’s education and outreach department. The program is designed to encourage students’ interest in science, enhance their understanding of the marine environment, and experience life on a barrier island.
Davison spent four days at DISL and participated in a variety of marine-based field activities. The students studied plankton, dissected a shark, built an ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) and much more.
The participants also were in charge of their own individual aquariums and stocked them with fish they caught themselves, notably the favorite activity among the kids.
The group also traveled on DISL’s 65 research vessel, the R/V Alabama Discovery. On board, the students trawled the waters of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to observe local fish and invertebrate species.
At the end of the week, the students celebrated their hard work by relaxing on the beach. The group left with a scientific outlook and increased interest in marine habitats.
For more information on the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, visit its website at www.disl.org.
